STOCK TITAN

Adtalem Global Education Announces New $300 Million Share Repurchase Program

Rhea-AI Impact
(Moderate)
Rhea-AI Sentiment
(Neutral)
Tags
buyback
Rhea-AI Summary
Adtalem Global Education Inc. (ATGE) has announced a new share repurchase program of up to $300 million, following the completion of a previous $300 million share repurchase program. The company has reduced shares outstanding by 23% since February 2022 at an average share repurchase price of $39.85. The new program reflects the company's commitment to capital allocation and operational excellence. Adtalem plans to fund the repurchases through available cash balances and ongoing business operating cash generation. The company will announce its fiscal 2024 second-quarter results on February 1, 2024.
Positive
  • None.
Negative
  • None.

Adtalem Global Education Inc.'s announcement of a new $300 million share repurchase program signals a strong buyback activity which is often interpreted as a positive indicator of management's confidence in the company's financial health and future prospects. The repurchase of 11.6 million shares at an average price of $39.85, reducing the shares outstanding by 23%, can be seen as a move to enhance shareholder value. This could lead to an earnings per share (EPS) boost since the same amount of earnings will be spread over a smaller number of shares.

However, the use of cash for repurchase instead of investment in growth opportunities or debt reduction must be scrutinized. The repurchase is being funded through available cash balances and ongoing business operating cash generation, which indicates a strong operating cash flow position. Yet, the opportunity cost of not allocating these funds elsewhere should be considered by investors. The market's reaction to the repurchase program will depend on the perceived balance between the return of capital to shareholders and potential future investments.

The share repurchase program aligns with Adtalem's 'Growth with Purpose' strategy, suggesting a focus on operational excellence and disciplined capital allocation. By reducing the share count significantly, Adtalem may be aiming to consolidate its market position as a national leader in post-secondary education and a key player in the U.S. healthcare system. The repurchase at an average price of $39.85, if below current market prices, could also suggest that management believes the stock is undervalued.

It would be important to monitor the investor sentiment following this announcement, as well as the subsequent quarterly earnings report, to gauge the effectiveness of the strategy and the company's operational performance. The timing and scale of the buyback program may also provide insights into management's expectations of market conditions and stock price performance.

Share repurchase programs can be a double-edged sword, reflecting confidence in the company's prospects but also potentially signaling a lack of profitable investment opportunities. Adtalem's program comes at a time when the economy faces uncertainties, which could affect the education sector and the demand for healthcare professionals. The decision to allocate a substantial amount of capital to buy back shares might be economically rational if the company's internal rate of return (IRR) for this capital deployment exceeds alternative investment opportunities.

The broader impact on the stock market could be mixed. On one hand, such buybacks can support the stock price and signal financial robustness to the market. On the other hand, if many companies prioritize buybacks over investments, it could imply a cautious or pessimistic outlook on economic growth, potentially dampening long-term market dynamics.

The new share repurchase program, which comes after the completion of the February 2022 Board-authorized $300 Million Share Repurchase Program, reflects the strength of Adtalem’s Growth with Purpose strategy. Since February 2022 the company reduced shares outstanding by 23% at an average share repurchase price of $39.85.

CHICAGO--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Adtalem Global Education Inc. (NYSE: ATGE), today announced that its Board of Directors has authorized a new share repurchase program, which allows Adtalem to repurchase up to $300 million of its common stock through Jan. 16, 2027.

“We have completed our $300 million February 2022 share repurchase authorization, capitalizing on the significant intrinsic value disconnect existing in the market. As a national leader in post-secondary education and a systemically important component to the U.S. healthcare system, we are committed to strengthening our leading market position through operational excellence and disciplined capital allocation,” said Steve Beard, president, and chief executive officer, Adtalem Global Education.

Beard continued, “The early returns on our organic growth strategy – Growth with Purpose – give us confidence in our long-term outlook. We are generating robust operating cash flow, enabling our capital allocation strategy. The new $300 million share repurchase authorization provides flexibility to execute against it.”

In connection with today’s announcement, Adtalem disclosed that it completed its February 2022 Board authorized $300 million share repurchase program on Jan. 16, 2024, representing a significant return for our shareholders.

Under the February 2022 Board authorized $300 million repurchase program and prior $163 million accelerated share repurchase (ASR) program agreement, which concluded on Oct. 14, 2022, Adtalem has repurchased 11.6 million shares at an average price of $39.85 which represents a reduction in shares outstanding of 23% against base shares outstanding as of Feb. 1, 2022. The company has approximately 39.3 million shares of common stock outstanding as of Jan. 16, 2024.

Under today’s new share repurchase authorization, the timing and amount of any repurchase will be determined by management based on evaluation of market conditions and other factors. These repurchases may be made through the open market purchases, accelerated share repurchases, privately negotiated transactions or otherwise. Any purchases will be at such times and in amounts as the company has approved in accordance with applicable rules and regulations. The repurchases will be funded through available cash balances, ongoing business operating cash generation, and may be suspended or discontinued at any time.

Adtalem will announce its fiscal 2024 second-quarter results on Thursday, Feb. 1, 2024, after financial markets close, followed by a conference call at 4:00 p.m. CT (5:00 p.m. ET) the same day to discuss the results.

The call can be accessed by dialing +1 877-407-6184 (U.S. participants) or +1 201-389-0877 (international participants) stating “Adtalem earnings call” or use conference ID: 13743388. The call will be simulcast through the Adtalem investor relations website at: https://investors.adtalem.com.

About Adtalem Global Education

Adtalem Global Education (NYSE: ATGE) is a national leader in post-secondary education and leading provider of professional talent to the healthcare industry. With a dedicated focus on driving strong outcomes that increase workforce preparedness, Adtalem empowers a diverse learner population to achieve their goals and make inspiring contributions to their communities. Adtalem is the parent organization of American University of the Caribbean School of Medicine, Chamberlain University, Ross University School of Medicine, Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine and Walden University. Adtalem’s family of institutions has more than 300,000 alumni and nearly 10,000 employees. Adtalem was named one of America’s Most Responsible Companies in 2021 and 2023 by Newsweek and Statista, and one of America’s Best Employers for Diversity in 2021 and 2022 by Forbes and Statista. Visit Adtalem.com for more information and follow on Twitter and LinkedIn.

Investor Contact

Jay Spitzer

Investor.Relations@Adtalem.com

+1 312-906-6600

Media Contact

Talisha Holmes

AdtalemMedia@Adtalem.com

+1 872-270-0331

Source: Adtalem Global Education Inc.

FAQ

What is the ticker symbol for Adtalem Global Education Inc.?

The ticker symbol for Adtalem Global Education Inc. is ATGE.

What is the new share repurchase program announced by Adtalem Global Education Inc.?

Adtalem Global Education Inc. has announced a new share repurchase program, allowing the repurchase of up to $300 million of its common stock through Jan. 16, 2027.

How much has Adtalem Global Education Inc. reduced shares outstanding by since February 2022?

Adtalem Global Education Inc. has reduced shares outstanding by 23% at an average share repurchase price of $39.85 since February 2022.

How will Adtalem Global Education Inc. fund the new share repurchase program?

Adtalem Global Education Inc. plans to fund the new share repurchase program through available cash balances and ongoing business operating cash generation.

When will Adtalem Global Education Inc. announce its fiscal 2024 second-quarter results?

Adtalem Global Education Inc. will announce its fiscal 2024 second-quarter results on February 1, 2024.

Adtalem Global Education Inc. Common Shares

NYSE:ATGE

ATGE Rankings

ATGE Latest News

ATGE Stock Data

1.98B
38.55M
2.38%
104.63%
4.23%
Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools
Educational Services
Link
United States of America
CHICAGO

About ATGE

the purpose of devry education group is to empower its students to achieve their educational and career goals. devry group (nyse: dv; member s&p midcap 400 index) is a global provider of educational services and the parent organization of american university of the caribbean school of medicine, becker professional education, carrington college, chamberlain college of nursing, devry brasil, devry university and its keller graduate school of management, ross university school of medicine and ross university school of veterinary medicine. these institutions offer a wide array of programs in healthcare, business, technology, accounting, finance and law.